H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro: A Deep Dive into Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones

For serious swimmers seeking an immersive audio experience, the H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro headphones emerge as a leading contender. These waterproof, bone conduction headphones address the challenges of listening to music or podcasts while training in the pool, offering a unique blend of stability, sound clarity, and convenient features. This article provides an in-depth look at the Sonar 2 Pro, examining its design, functionality, and suitability for dedicated swimmers.

Design and Features

The H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro distinguishes itself from traditional headphones with its unique form factor. Instead of a traditional headband, the Sonar 2 Pro features two bone conduction speakers connected by a flexible cable designed to be secured to swim goggles or a swim cap. This design ensures a stable fit, minimizing movement during vigorous swimming. The headphones boast an IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing for submersion up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) without restriction.

A key feature of the Sonar 2 Pro is its built-in MP3 player with 8GB of storage, capable of holding approximately 2,000 songs or 130 hours of music. This addresses the limitations of Bluetooth connectivity underwater, which can be intermittent and unreliable. The Playlist+ feature allows users to load music onto the device wirelessly, functioning similarly to recording a playlist from a source, automatically naming the file after the song title.

Sound Quality and Performance

The Sonar 2 Pro utilizes bone conduction technology, transmitting sound through the cheekbones to the inner ear. While this method provides clear sound underwater, particularly when used with the included earplugs, the audio experience differs from traditional headphones. Users may notice a heavier emphasis on the low-complete frequencies, which, unfortunately, cannot be adjusted via equalization. Despite this, the headphones deliver surprisingly clear audio while submerged.

Connectivity and Controls

The Sonar 2 Pro offers both Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and the option to play music directly from the internal MP3 player. Bluetooth range underwater is limited to a few inches, making the Playlist+ feature ideal for uninterrupted swimming. Intuitive controls on the headphone housings allow for playback, volume adjustment, and mode switching between Bluetooth and memory modes. The H2O Audio PRO app, available for both Apple and Android, facilitates music management, software updates, and Playlist+ creation.

Battery Life and Pricing

The H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro provides up to 9 hours of playtime via Bluetooth and 6 hours in memory mode. Charging takes approximately 1-2 hours. The headphones are priced at $149.99, positioning them competitively within the waterproof headphone market.

Alternatives to Consider

While the Sonar 2 Pro excels for swimming, other options may be preferable for multi-sport leverage. The H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro, a bone conduction headphone with a headband, is rated as a better overall choice for running and swimming. The Shokz OpenSwim Pro as well presents a viable alternative, offering a built-in MP3 player and a similar price point.

Final Verdict

The H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro are a specialized solution designed for serious swimmers. Their secure fit, waterproof construction, and integrated MP3 player craft them an excellent choice for those seeking an uninterrupted audio experience in the pool. While the sound profile may not appeal to all listeners, and the form factor limits versatility, the Sonar 2 Pro delivers on its core promise: providing reliable, high-quality audio for dedicated aquatic workouts.